Zicavo / Zonza

Staying within the heart of the Parc Naturel Régional de Corse, this eleventh stage of the GT20 presents cyclists with spectacular views on the Taravo and Alta Rocca Valleys. Going from Zicavu to Zonza along the foot of the jagged Aiguilles de Bavella mountains, on this cycling adventure lasting 44km, you’ll stack up a positive shift in altitude of 800m. A detour via the Plateau du Cuscione offers riders the chance to set aside time for a hike in the reserve here, dedicated to biodiversity. With the climb to the Bocca di Vaccia, views open out onto the whole of the southern end of Corsica.

The Route

This GT20 stage is marked by a series of climbs and passes as you cycle to Zonza. The main challenge is the ride to the Col de la Vaccia, involving 14km at an average gradient of 3% to reach this pass at an altitude of 1,193m. On the way up, you may encounter pigs and cattle wandering freely, so take care passing them. A long flat stretch then leads to the junction of the Taravu Valley and mountainous Alta Rocca area. After that, the 13km descent is gentle, although winding in parts, as far as Auddè. From this village, the last 17km involve three climbs in a row before you reach Zonza.

Don't miss

• Zicavu (Zicavo): a great base for exploring on foot the trails around the PNR de Corse, with particularly remarkable views from Monte Incudine (at 2,136m in altitude)
• Quenza: a village overseen by the jagged Aiguilles de Bavella, drawing many mountaineers to this part of southern Corsica
• Zonza: located at the junction of the most beautiful trails in southern Corsica, a paradise for hikers, mountain-bikers and horse-riders; the highest race course in Europe, in a stunning setting